Suitcase attachment



June 1966 T A. J. BROWNING 3,

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY 1 MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM a PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT 14 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8 PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966' A. J. BROWNING 3,

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 5 FIG-8 I I I I 22 3 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM a PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN,DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS Jun 21, 1966 J. BRowNmG 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8: PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. .17 BROWNING SUITCASE ATTACHMENT l4 She etsSheet 6 Filed March 27, 1964 INVENTOR. v

ARTHUR J. BROWNING MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 J ROWNIN 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM & PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING SUITCASE ATTACHMENT 14 Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed March 27, 1964 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT.

Fil ed March 2 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 9 LO 3" 2 LI.-

N q N 3" l 2 (9 LI. Ll.

INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN,DURHAM & PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 l4 Sheets-Sheet 10 04- llllllllllln INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING SUITCASE ATTACHMENT l4 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 Filed March 27, 1964 FIG 32 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8; PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 J, BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 12 FIG'33 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING BY MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM 8| PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27. 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 15 INVENTOR.

ARTHUR J. BROWNING MORGAN, FINNEGAN,DURHAM 8: PINE ATTORNEYS June 21, 1966 A. J. BROWNING 3,257,120

SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Filed March 27, 1964 14 Sheets-Sheet 14 INVENTOR. ARTHUR J. BROWNING MORGAN, FINNEGAN, DURHAM a PINE ATTORNEYS United States Patent "ice 3,257,120 SUITCASE ATTACHMENT Arthur J. Browning, 4001 Harold St, Downers Grove, Ill. Filed Mar. 27, 1964, Ser. No. 355,346 14 Claims. (c1. zen-47.17)

This invention relates to suitcase attachments for conventional suitcases or other hand luggage. More specifically, this invention relates to a wheel carriage assembly and handle assembly for attachment to a conventional suitcase.

Various schemes have heretofore been devised for facilitating the transportation of the luggage of an individual traveler. These prior devices, however, have included one or more disadvantages so as to make them generally unacceptable to the public. For example, many wheeled luggage devices have not been designed for conventional, commercially available luggage, but have required specially constructed cases and trunks, thus involving a heavy expense to the consumer desirous of having mobile luggage. Other devices have not been readily attachable to conventional suitcases, requiring special labor and knowhow. Still other attachments have been cumbersome, or heavyweight, or have not been easily and quickly adjustable so as to accommodate the different needs of different consumers.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a wheel carriage and handle assembly which may be readily attached to a conventional suitcase.

Another object of this invention is to provide a handle assembly' for a conventional suitcase which may be extended various distances to accommodate different heights of persons using the assembly.

Another object of this invention is to provide a handle assembly for a conventional suitcase which may be easily interchanged between positions of storage and use and releasably locked in the desired position.

Another object of this invention is to provide a handle assembly having a storage container which also functions as a guide when extending the handle rod to a position for use.

' Another object of this invention is to provide a handle assembly which may be secured to a conventional suitcase in a predetermined position of longitudinal extension.

Another object of this invention is to provide a combined wheel carriage assembly and adjustable securing member for attachment of a handle assembly to a conventional suitcase in a predetermined position of longitudinal extension.

Another object of this invention is to provide a wheel carriage assembly of unitary, integral construction.

A further object of this invention is to provide a wheel carriage assembly for attachment to a conventional suitcase which permits stability and balance of the suitcase during wheeling and which reduces scuffing and marring of the suitcase edges.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention, the objects and advantages BQS'ZQIZR Patented June 21, 1965 justably securing the length of the handle portion of the handle assembly. The handle assembly comprises a tubular rod mounted to the suitcase wall having a hand grip at one end thereof, the tubular rod being extensible to various lengths to accommodate the different heights of persons using the assembly. Alternatively, the handle assembly may include one or more telescoping rods; a channel member in which the extensible rod may be stored when not in use and which serves as a guide when extending the handle; and slidably adjustable securing means located at the base of the handle assembly.

The accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate one embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Of the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a bottom plan view of a wheel and handle assembly for attachment to a conventional suitcase in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view taken along lines 3-3 of FIGURE 2 including a section of a conventional suitcase;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 44 of FIGURE 2 including a section of a conventional suitcase;

FIGURE 5 is a side elevational view of a first modified handle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged perspective view of the channel member of the handle assembly illustrated in FIG- URE 5;

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged top plan view of the tension spring mechanism of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal sectional view of the handle assembly illustrated in FIG- URE 5;

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle member and tension spring mechanism illustrated in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 11 is a perspective view of the handle member of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 5;

FIGURE 12 is a fragmentary perspective view of a second modified handle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of the handle assembly of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a perspective view of the handle member of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 15 is a perspective view of the guide means for the handle member of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 12,;

FIGURE 16 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines 16-16 of FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 17 is a fragmentary perspective view of the channel member of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 18 is a perspective view of the bracket member illustrated in FIGURE 13;

FIGURE 19 is a fragmentary perspective view of a third modified handle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 20 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along lines 20-20 of FIGURE 19;

FIGURE 21 is a fragmentary top plan view of a fourth modified handle assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 22 is an enlarged top plan view of the pin means for the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 21;

FIGURE 23 is a fragmentary perspective view of the 3 handle member and pin means of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 21;

FIGURE 24 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view illustrating the adjustable securing means of the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 21;

FIGURE 25 is a perspective view of the sliding adjustable member of the adjustable securing means illustrated in FIGURE 24;

FIGURE 26 is a top plan view of a combined wheel assembly and base member for the handle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 21;

FIGURE 27 is an'end elevational view illustrating the wheel assembly member of FIGURE 2.6;

FIGURE 28 is an enlarged view, partly in section and partly in elevation, taken along lines 28-28 of FIG- URE 1, illustrating a wheel assembly in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 29 is an elevational view taken along lines 29-29 of FIGURE 28;

FIGURE 30 is a perspective view of a Wheel support and base member for the wheel assembly of the subject invention;

FIGURE 31 is a side elevational view of a wheel for the wheel assembly of the subject invention;

FIGURE 32 is a sectional view taken along lines 32- 32 of FIGURE 31;

FIGURE 33 is a perspective view of a modified wheel support and base member for the wheel assembly of the subject invention;

FIGURE 34 is a perspective view of a second modified wheel support and base member for the wheel assembly of the subject invention;

FIGURE 35 is a fragmentary end elevational view of a modified wheel assembly member illustrated in FIG- URE 26;

FIGURE 36 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a strap member for securing a combined wheel and handle assembly, as illustrated in FIGURE 35, to a conventional suitcase in accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 37 is a plan View taken along lines 3737 of FIGURE 36; and

FIGURE 38 is a plan view taken along lines.3838 of FIGURE 36.

In the drawings, like characters of reference are used to designate like parts throughout the several views.

For ease of description, rather than as a limitation on the use of my invention, I shall consider a conventional suitcase as having a top side and a bottom side, the top side being the wide surface of the suitcase normally comprising the lid and the bottom side being that surface opposite to the top side. In addition, I shall consider a conventional suitcase as having an upper end and a lower end, the upper end being the uppermost portion of the suitcase when it is raised to a position for wheeling and the lower end being that end of the suitcase nearest the ground.

Finally, it is contemplated that the various structural parts of my invention should be fabricated from :a strong, lightweight material, such as, for example, aluminum, unless otherwise indicated.

Referring now to FIGURES 14, there is shown a conventional suitcase 1 to which there is attached a wheel carriage assembly (more fully discussed hereinbelow) and a handle assembly 10.

Handle assembly 10 includes a tubular rod 11 of ap-- proximately the same length as the suitcase to which it is attached. The rod is held in sliding engagement against the bottom side of the suitcase by rigid, spaced brackets 12 positioned towards the upper end of the suitcase. The brackets are formed to fit over the rod in close spaced relationship, and are secured to the suitcase wall by rivets or other suitable means. Additionally, backing shims 16 may be placed against the inside wall of the suitcase for increased of the brackets and protection of the suitcase wall. Lower and upper holes 11a, 11b, respectively, are

drilled through the center of rod .11 near each end thereof, and are capable of mating with similar holes 12a drilled through brackets 12. End stop bracket 15 is provided at the lower end of the suitcase and serves to hold rod 11 in place when the handle assembly is in a position for storage. A backing shim 16 may also be provided for attaching the stop bracket to the suitcase wall. A cross-bar 14- is provided at the upper end of rod 11 to form a hand grip means.

The operation of my handle assembly 10 is as follows. In the storage position, rod 11 is locked in abutting relationship with end stop bracket 15 by pin 13 which is inserted through hole 12a of upper bracket 12 and upper mating hole 11b of rod 11. In the use position, pin 13 is removed from upper bracket 12 and rod 11 is pulled upwardly until lower hole 11a is aligned with hole 12a of lower bracket 12, whereupon pin 13 is reinserted. The handle rod 11 now extends well beyond the upper end of the suitcase and is supported by pin 13 and brackets 12 for pushing or pulling, thereby wheeling the suitcase along the ground. It will be understood that each individual user may vary the length of the extension of handle rod 11 to suit his or her particular height by varying the location of the lower bracket 12. Thus, a taller person should locate the lower bracket nearer to the upper end of the suitcase while a shorter person should locate the bracket nearer to the middle or lower end of the suitcase. Alternatively, or additionally, a series of spaced holes 11a (not shown) could be provided in the lower portion of rod 11 for finer, height adjustment. The length of extension of rod 11 would be depend on the hole chosen for insertion of pin 13.

Referring now to FIGURES 5-11, there is shown a first modified handle assembly 20 for attachment to a conventional suitcase in accordance with my invention. Handle assembly 20 comprises a tubular handle rod 21 pivotally mounted in an open channel member 25 and releasably locked thereto, in both storage and use positions, by spring-biased clip 26.

Channel member 25 is attached to the bottom side of suitcase 1 near the upper end thereof by means of flange members 31, backing shims 32, and rivets or screws 33, in a manner similar to that described for handle assembly 10. It will be understood that flanges 31 may be integral with channel member 25, or may be secured thereto in any suitable manner, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Channel member 25 has a hole 24 drilled through the center of the channel walls and equidistant from the ends. The end walls of the channel member are inclined as indicated by reference numeral 30 at approximately a 45 angle and have slots 29 formed therein. Handle rod 21 is pivotally mounted in channel member 25 by bolt 22 which passes through hole 23 in the end of rod 21 and hole 24 in the walls of channel member 25.

Rod 21 has formed therein a slot 28, located substantially parallel with channel wall slots 29 when rod 21 is mounted in channel member 25 in a position of longitudinal alignment with the channel walls. U-shaped clip 26 is mounted in slot 28 of rod 21 and held tightly therein by tension spring 27, attached to bolt 22.

The operation of my handle assembly 20 is as follows. To place the handle rod 21 in a position of storage, handle 14 is pivoted toward the bottom of the suitcase. As the rod swings into longitudinal alignment with channel member 25, the extensions 26a of clip 26 strike the bottom of inclined surface 30. Further movement of the rod toward the suitcase wall places more tension in spring 27 and clip extensions 26a slide up inclined surface 39; upon reaching slot 29, clip 26 snaps into the slot and thereby locks the handle in place. To release, clip extensions 26a may be grasped by the operators fingers and urged out of slot 29 against the force of the spring. To place the handle rod into a position of use, the rod is then pivoted in the opposite direction to a position of longitudinal extension from the upper end of the suitcase and locked in place by repeating the foregoing operation.

Referring now to FIGURES 12-18, there is shown a second modified handle assembly 40 for attachment to a suitcase 1 in accordance with my invention. Handle assembly 48 comprises a handle rod 41 slidably supported 1 in a channel adapter member 48. Guide means 45 is attached to one end of rod 41 and hand grip means 14 is attached to the other end thereof.

Channel adapter 48 is attached to the suitcase in a manner similar to that for handle assembly by means .of bracket 55 and bolts, screws or like means passing through holes 56 located at each of the channel ends. Guide means 45 comprises a square block having a cen trally disposed cylindrical extension 46 with a hole 47 drilled therethrough. Extension 46 fits Within the end of rod 41 and is secured thereto by a straight pin (not shown) passing through aligned holes 44 and 47.

It will be seen that the operation of my handle assembly 40 is similar to that of handle assembly 10. To place handle rod 41 in a position for use, it is longitudinally extended beyond the suitcase until hole 43 is aligned with hole 51 in channel 48 whereupon pin 50 is reinserted to lock the handle in place. Again, it will be understood that a series of holes 43 would permit finer adjustment of the length of extension of the handle rod. In the stored position, pin 50 passes through hole 51 in the channel adapter and hole 42 in rod 41, and hand grip 14 fits snugly in recesses 52. Thus the handle rod may be conveniently stored in the enclosed adapter, which is aesthetically pleasing to the eye. In addition, the channel adapter serves to support the suitcase wall and tends to eliminate bulges therein.

Referring now to FIGURES 19 and 20, there is' shown a third modified handle assembly 60 for attachment to a conventional suitcase in a manner similar to that for my handle assembly 40.

Handle assembly 60 comprises a tubular rod 61 having a guide block 65 at the lower end thereof and a hand gripping bar 14 at the upper end. Rod 61 1s slidably supported within channel adapter 62 by means of guide I block 65. Channel adapter 62 may be attached to a suitcase in a manner similar to that illustrated for handle assembly 40. A notch 69 is formed on the inner wall of the channel adapter, facing the suitcase, and a notch 63 and a slot 64 are formed on the outer wall of the adapter, slot 64 extending into the channel opening. A resilient, V-shaped, wire spring fastener 78 is adapted to be positioned in notches 63, 69 and slot 64.

It will be seen that the operation of my handle assembly 61) is similar to that of handle assembly 40. I-Iere, however, the handle rod is releasably locked in a positlon for use by extending rod 61 until groove 66 in guide block 65 is aligned with groove 64 in channel adapter 48, whereupon wire spring 70 snaps into groove 66 and locks the rod in place. The spring may be released by grasping the extensions 67 with the fingers and pulling outwardly from the suitcase. In a manner similar to that of my handle assemblies 10 and 40, it will be understood that block 65 could be formed with a series of grooves 66 to provide a finer length adjustment for handle rod 61.

Referring now to FIGURES 21-27, there is shown a fourth modified handle assembly 80 for attachment to a wheel carriage assembly 100 and then to a conventional suitcase.

Handle assembly 86 comprises an outer tubular rod 81 having an inner tubular rod 82, mounted in telescoping relationship therewith. Outer rod 81 is attached to the upper end of the suitcase by bracket 88, in a manner similar to that previously described. Additionally, an auxiliary securing means is provided near the upper end of rod 81 which comprises a flexible straplike member 89, one end of which is attached to the upper end of the suitcase, the other end being looped and fastened about the outer rod in a manner which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The lower end of rod 81 is secured to the suitcase by adjustable securing means, more fully dis cussed hereinbelow.

Telescoping handle rod 82 has a U-shaped spring 83 mounted near its lower end, spring 83 having leg portions 84, 85 extending laterally therefrom and passing through holes 86. When rod 82 is extended to a position for use, leg portions 84, 85, also extend through holes 87 in outer tube 81, which forms the support for pulling or pushing the attached luggage by hand gripping bar 14. To place rod 82 substantially completely within tube 81, as in a position for storage, extension legs 84, 85 of spring 83 are depressed until the ends are within tube 81, whereby rod 82 is free to slide to its closed position.

Means are provided at the lower end of tube 81 for adjustably securing the handle assembly to the suitcase. As embodied, this means comprises a block member 90 slidably adjustable on base member 101 of the wheel carriage assembly 100.

Teeth members 93, are formed on the surfaces 91, 92, respectively, of block 90. Upper surface 91 is cylindrically recessed to receive tube 81, the latter having slotted openings 94 formed therein, spaced so as to accept teeth 93 of block 90 in a meshed fitting relationship. In a similar manner, teeth 95 of block member 90 mesh with ratchet-like slotted openings 96 formed in base member 101. Base member 101'is of integral construction including struts 123 supporting wheels 130, and an end flap 102, which extends over the end wall of the suitcase; the base member is attached to the suitcase by rivets, screws or other suitable means passing through holes 163. Outer tube 81 and block member 101 by means of a setscrew (not shown), or other suitable means, passing through holes 97, 98 and anchored to groove 99 in base high or too low. To adjust, the operator simply loosens the set screw and slides block 90 and outer tube 81 along groove 99 to the desired location and resets the screw.

It will be understood that the adjustable securing means of wheel carriage assembly 100 also serves to adjust the length of handle assembly 80 so that in its stored position it will be accommodated by suitcases of various lengths.

The foregoing description has been primarily concerned with my various handle assemblies for attachment to conventional pieces of luggage. In addition, in ac cordance with my invention, I have provided a wheel carriage assembly having a wheel support and base member of integral construction, which cooperates with my handle assembly to provide a mobile attachment to conventional suitcases or luggage.

As illustrated in FIGURES 28-32, my wheel carriage assembly comprises a wheel 130 mounted onto wheel support struts 123, struts 123 being formed out of base member 121, as illustrated by the drawings' Base member 121 is attached to the suitcase bottom side and lower end wall by means of screws or rivets 125 passing through base member 121, end flap 122, their associated shim members 121a, 122a, respectively, and backing shim member 124. Wheel may be of a conventional type, preferably made from hard rubber, having a cylindrical bearing 132 fitting in cylindrical housing 134 to carry thereby increasing the strength ofthe wheel carriage assembly.

In each instance, however, I have found that it is important that Wheels 130 be mounted on struts 123 so as to extend approximately A1" beyond the lower end of the suitcase. This provides suflicient clearance between the edge of the suitcase and the ground to prevent the suitcase from striking the ground and scuffing and marring the suitcase edges. Additionally, for best balance and stability, and minimum strain to the suitcase walls,

the wheels should be mounted on the wide bottom side of the case, approximately one-fourth to one-fifth of the distance inwardly from the edge of the side.

While the above-described wheel carriage assemblies and handle assemblies have been attached to suitcases by means of rivets, screws, or the like, my invention also contemplates a means of attachment therefor which will enable either or both the wheel carriage and handle assembly to be readily detachable.

Referring now to FIGURES 35-38, I provide my base member 101 with an overlying end flap 104 having a slot 105 through which cotton or nylon strap member 106 passes. Strap member 106 encircles suitcase 1 and is fastened at its other end to the upper end of handle assembly 60 by ring 108, or other suitable means. Although FIGURE 36 illustrates the use of a strap member with handle assembly 60, it will be undersood that the strap may be used with any of my handle assemblies. Strap 106 is cinched tightly about the suitcase by means of buckle 10, in a well known manner.

It will be understood that in each of my wheel and handle modifications, it is possible to stack a second or third smaller case upon the suitcase to which the assemblies are attached. This fact serves to illustrate the strength of the construction of my attachments. It also illustrates that great loads can be wheeled about with relative ease as compared to carrying by hand.

Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the teachings of my various modifications may be interchangeably combined without departing from the scope of my invention. For example, as illustrated in FIGURE 36, the channel adapter 48 of my handle assembly 60 may be formed With teeth on the bottom thereof to mesh with my base member 101, in a manner similar to that described for handle assembly 80. Again, the

' telescoping rod technique illustrated in handle assembly 80 could include a third rod, telescoping within rods 81 and 82.

Thus, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific embodiments herein shown and discribed but departures may be made therefrom within the scopeof the accompanying claims, without departing from the principles of the invention and Without sacrificing its chief advantages.

What is claimed is: 1. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly of wheels, said base means having an intermediate transverse portion bent out of the plane of said base means to form said strut means, said base means also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase, a handle assembly for mounting on the bottom side of said suitcase, said handle assembly including a handle rod and housing means, said handle rod normally disposed in a position of storage within said housing means, adjustable securing means for mounting said housing means to said base means, said adjustable securing means including groove means formed in said base means cooperating with associated tooth means formed on said housing means, said housing means permitting adjustably longitudinally extending said rod to a position of use,

(i and means for releasably locking said handle rod in said storage and use positions.

2. A Wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottom side of said suitcase, said wheel assembly including a pair of base members having strut means integral therewith for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels, each of said base members having an intermediate transversely extending portion bent out of the base member to form said wheel supporting struts, each of said base members also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto whereby said end flap is adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase; and a handle assembly for mounting to the bottom side of said suitcase, said handle assembly including an extensible handle rod, fixed attaching brackets for s-lidably supporting said rod against said suitcase, and means for releasably locking said handle rod in positions of storage and use, said locking means including a pin adapted to be inserted through mating holes in said rod and said brackets.

3. A wheel and handle attachment as claimed in claim 2 including an end stop bracket adapted to be mounted on said suitcase, said rod abutting thereagainst when locked in a position of storage,

4-. A wheel and handle attachment as claimed in claim 2 wherein said base members are adapted to be mounted to said suitcase from about one-fourth to one-fifth of the distance inwardly from the edge of the bottom side, and wherein said wheels are mounted to extend substantially A" over-the edge of the lower end of said suitcase.

5. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottom side of said suitcase, said wheel assembly including a pair of base members having strut means integral therewith for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels, each of said base members having an intermediate transversely extending portion bent out of the base member to form said wheel supporting struts, each of said base members also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto whereby said end flap is adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase; and a handle assembly for mounting to the bottom side of said suitcase, said handle assembly including a handle rod pivotally mounted within an open channel member, the channel walls of said channel memher having slotted ends, said handle rod having a slot therein substantially parallel to said channel wall slots when said rod is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said channel member, and means for releas-ably looking said handle rod in positions of storage and use, said locking means including a spring-tensioned clip mounted within said rod and laterally extending from said slot in said rod, said clip adapted to snap into said slotted ends of said channel walls when said rod is in alignment with the longitudinal axis of said channel member.

6. A wheel and handle attachment as claimed in claim 5 wherein said base members are adapted to be mounted to said suitcase from about one-fourth to one-fifth of the distance inwardly from the edge of the bottom side, said wherein said wheels are mounted to extend substantially Mi" over the edge of the lower end of said suitcase.

7. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottom side of said suitcase, said wheel assembly including a pair of base members having strut means integral therewith for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels, each of said base members having an intermediate transversely extending portion bent out of the base member to form said wheel supporting struts, each of said base members also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto whereby said end flap is adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase; and a handle assembly for mounting to the bottom side of said suitcase, said handle assembly including an extensible handle rod, an enclosed channel member, said channel member housing said handle rod, means mounted on one end of said rod for guiding said rod Within said channel housing, said guide means including a block member having a cross-section similar to that of said channel member, and means for releasably locking said handle rod in positions of storage and use, said locking means including a pin adapted to be inserted through mating holes in said channel member and said rod.

8. A wheel and handle attachment as claimed in claim 7 wherein said base members are adapted to be mounted to said suitcase from about one-fourth to one-fifth of the distance inwardly from the edge of the bottom side, and wherein said wheels are mounted to extend substantially &1" over the edge of the lower end of said suitcase.

9. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottom side of said suitcase, said wheel assembly including a pair of base members having strut means integral therewith for rotatably supporting a pair of wheels, each of said base, members having an intermediate transversely extending portion bent out of the base member to form said wheel supporting struts, each of said base members also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto whereby said end flap is adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase; and a handle assembly including an enclosed channel member adapted to be attached to the bottom side of said suitcase, said channel member housing an extensible handle rod, said rod having means mounted at the lower end thereof for guiding said rod into positions of storage and use, said guide means including a block member adapted to fit in close sliding relationship with said channel housing, said block having a groove formed in one surface thereof, and means for releasably locking said rod in said use position, said locking means including a wire spring fastener mounted in a transverse slot in said channel housing whereby extension of said rod aligns said groove of said rod guide block with said channel slot thereby permitting said spring to snap into said rod guide block groove, locking said rod into place. 10. A wheel and handle attachment as claimed in claim 9 wherein said base members are adapted to be mounted to said suitcase from about one-fourth to one-fifth of.

the distance inwardly from the edge of the bottom side, and wherein said wheels are mounted to extend substantially 4" over the edge of the lower end of said suitcase.

11. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottom side of said suitcase, said wheel carrier assembly including a base member and a pair of wheel supporting struts integraltherewith, said base member having laterally extending side panels and inner panels partially cut out of said base member, said panels bent out of the plane of said base member to form said struts, said base member also having an end flap bent at substantially right angles thereto adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase, a handle assembly including an inner tubular handlerod and an outer tubular member mounted in telescoping relationship, means for releasably locking said telescoping rods in an extended position, said outer tube adjustably attached to said base member of said wheel carriage assembly, said adjustable attachment including groove means formed on said base member cooperating with associated tooth means attached to said outer tube of said handle assembly.

12. A wheel and handle attachment for a conventional suitcase or the like, comprising: a wheel carrier assembly for mounting on the lower bottoms side of said suitcase, said wheel carrier assembly including a base member and a pair of wheel supporting struts integral therewith, said base member having laterally extending side panels and inner panels partially cut out of said base member, said panels bent out of the plane of said base member to form said struts, said base member also having an end fiap bent at substantially right angles thereto adapted to extend over the end wall of said suitcase, a handle assembly including an extensible handle rod housed in sliding relationship within an enclosed channel member, means mounted at one end of said rod for guiding said rod in said channel member, means for releasably locking said handle rod in said channel member in positions of storage and use, adjustable securing means for mounting said channel member to said base means, said adjustable securing means including groove means formed in said base means cooperating with associated tooth means formed on said channel member, and means for adjustably longitudinally extending said rod to a position of use.

13. A wheel and handle attachment according to claim 12, wherein strap means are secured to said end flap of said wheel carriage assembly and the upper end of said handle assembly, said strap means adapted to extend around said suitcase so as to secure said wheel and handle References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,099,933 6/1914 Pohrer 28047.13 X 2,696,990 12/1954 Davis 280-47.13 2,919,138 12/ 1959 Brower et al 28047.17 X 2,990,190 6/1961 Eriksen 280-4737 X FOREIGN PATENTS 141,352 5/1951 Australia. 487,220 11/ 1953 Italy.

BENJAMIN HERSH, Primary Examiner.

J. A. PEKAR, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A WHEEL AND HANDLE ATTACHMENT FOR A CONVENTIONAL SUITCASE OR THE LIKE, COMPRISING: A WHEEL CARRIER ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING ON THE LOWER BOTTOM SIDE OF SAID SUITCASE, SAID WHEEL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING BASE MEANS HAVING STRUT MEANS INTEGRAL THEREWITH FOR ROTATABLY SUPPORTING A PAIR OF WHEELS, SAID BASE MEANS HAVING AN INTERMEDIATE TRANSVERSE PORTION BENT OUT OF THE PLANE OF SAID BASE MEANS TO FORM SAID STRUT MEANS, SAID BASE MEANS ALSO HAVING AN END FLAP BENT AT SUBSTANTIALLY RIGHT ANGLES THERETO ADAPTED TO EXTEND OVER THE END WALL OF SAID SUITCASE, A HANDLE ASSEMBLY FOR MOUNTING ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF SAID SUITCASE, SAID HANDLE ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A HANDLE ROD AND HOUSING MEANS, SAID HANDLE ROD NORMALLY DISPOSED IN A POSITION OF STORAGE WITHIN SAID HOUSING MEANS, ADJUSTABLE SECURING MEANS FOR MOUNTING SAID HOUSING MEANS TO SAID BASE MEANS, SAID ADJUSTBLE SECURING MEANS INCLUDING GROOVE MEANS FORMED IN SAID BASE MEANS COOPERATING WITH ASSOCIATED TOOTH MEANS FORMED ON SAID HOUSING MEANS, SAID HOUSING MEANS PERMITTING ADJUSTABLY LONGITUDINALLY EXTENDING SAID ROD TO A POSITION OF USE, AND MEANS FOR RELEASABLY LOCKING SAID HANDLE ROD IN SAID STORAGE AND USE POSITIONS. 